USED Volkswagen Golf Hatchback (04 - 09)

This version of the Golf may not look that different to previous models, but there’s been a revolution under the skin.

For a start, no Golf has ever had so much room up front, so the driver is guaranteed a comfortable time, and it’s better still for rear-seat passengers. There’s enough room for two adults or three children in the back seat, and the boot is a generous size.

Second, and perhaps most surprising, this Golf is also a cracking drive. Other than some clatter from the diesel engines at idle, refinement is excellent at all speeds and the car is composed and stable on the motorway.

What’s most impressive is the sharp handling through the bends, making this a car you can really enjoy driving. It’s just a shame that, although the power steering does weight up as the speeds increase, it never really gives enough feedback.

There’s a huge range of Golfs available, petrol or diesel, three- or five-door, front- or four-wheel drive, but we reckon it’s at its best if you keep things simple. So, our favourite is the 1.6 FSI S 5dr.

It has enough power to keep the Golf trundling along at a healthy speed without racking up the costs, as well as having everything you need in terms of equipment: six airbags, anti-lock brakes, air-con and a CD player. SE models add alloy wheels, while Sport trim and above swaps the air-con for climate control.

Modern VWs are renowned for their diesel engines and this Golf is no exception. Both the 1.9 and 2.0-litre TDI units are strong and frugal, but their reputation means they remain expensive to buy.

For now, most used examples remain within the VW dealer network. In time, more models will reach the independents, helping to bring prices down.

A Golf is an expensive option compared with its rivals and, with the likes of the Vauxhall Astra and Ford Focus now coming much closer in terms of quality, it can be difficult to justify that extra.

On the other hand, you’re certainly buying more prestige with a Golf, and costs for fuel and insurance are no worse than on its rivals.

For the best fuel economy, you’ll naturally need to go for one of the diesels, where you can expect the best part of 50mpg. However, even the 1.6 FSI petrols can return over 40mpg and, with the price premium attached to diesels, these petrol models can make more sense financially unless you plan to cover above average miles. However, avoid the 4Motion models, which suffer a significant penalty in fuel economy.

For the time being, the Golf is still a relatively new used car and no common problems have come to light. General reliability has been good, although there are a few reports of timing belts failing on 1.4- and 1.6-litre petrol cars, some problems with steering racks and a risk that FSI models can run poorly on regular unleaded petrol (they need super-unleaded).

There has been just the one recall, in March 2005, for diesel cars with a two-pump injector engine, to cure a possible fuel leak, but otherwise there have been no major complaints.

Mind you, such reliability should be no great surprise. VW has finished ahead of major mainstream rivals Ford, Peugeot and Vauxhall in our reliability surveys.